34 A home with you

It was a new building with a prestigious address. The architect won an award for the design. There were limited units, which emphasized its exclusivity.

More importantly, its security ran like a well-oiled machine. The staff understood the brief and were helpful but unintrusive.

The unit, on one of the highest floor, provided an impressive vantage of the city. On this Saturday afternoon, clear blue skies with ample sunlight showed off the spacious living room.

"A bit bigger than my current place. It has an additional room too," Takumi explained as he gave Akira a tour of his latest purchase.

It was empty but the furnishings were obviously top quality.

Akira followed Takumi as they checked out the well-sized kitchen, the guest bedroom, the study and another room which could be used for any purpose.

"It's a good layout," Akira remarked approvingly. Practical and it allowed Takumi the ability to customize should he want to.

The master bedroom was however disproportionately large.

It was also connected to a built-in wardrobe, which Takumi proudly showed off.

He stood in the middle and turned around to face Akira. A boyish grin on his face.

"What do you think?"

Akira leaned against the frame of the door and smiled. "This place definitely suits you."

Takumi's face brightened before it faded into uncertainty.

He asked in a tiny voice, "Do you think…it will suit you too?"

Akira was surprised. For a second, the meaning of the question was lost on him.

Takumi rattled on nervously. "I mean, since we kind of spend so much time together anyway. I know I take up too much space at yours. But I thought, um, this is nice and it's near your office so…"

Akira recovered, "Takumi-"

His lover might have mistaken his initial silence for refusal and wouldn't let him have a word. "If you're bothered that it's my place, don't be. I wanted a new apartment anyway. I was going to move in alone but I thought since-"

Akira went up to him and pulled Takumi into a hug. He laughed.

"Why are you laughing?" Takumi questioned, his voice muffled and disgruntled. But he didn't pull away.

"Because I'm happy. And you are being silly," Akira replied fondly.

"I'm not!" Takumi pushed him and glared. Then he realized belatedly, "Wait. You're h-happy?"

Akira kept his arms around Takumi's waist and smiled. "Well, I'm waiting."

"Waiting for..." Takumi was confused.

"You haven't exactly asked," Akira prompted gently.

"Oh," Takumi's expression went from confusion to a warm, joyful blush. He cleared his throat and asked shyly, "Do you want to move in together?"

Akira's heart was inexplicably tight. "Yes."

Takumi broke into a wide smile and hugged him fiercely.

He tilted his head and they met in a kiss.

It was supposed to be short and sweet. Nevertheless, they ended up with Takumi pressed against one of the wardrobes and their hands all over one another.

A promise of the endless possibilities in their new home.

"I can't wait for our first night here," Takumi breathed when they broke off. Eventually. Although he was still half-clinging to Akira.

"Do you believe we can get through the day?" Akira questioned rather seriously.

Takumi thought about it. "Probably not."

They laughed and felt a giddiness which was surreal.

Their clothes and hair might have still been ruffled but neither cared. They held hands as they left the bedroom.

"The best part comes next," Takumi declared cheerfully.

"Which is?" Akira asked wryly.

"Shopping! Furniture, decorations…we have lots to do," Takumi went on happily.

It was not Akira's preferred activity. However, the excitement in Takumi's entire demeanor was infectious.

Besides, it was shopping for their first home together.

"Do you want to start today?" he asked. Takumi beamed.

"Why not? I'm going to sell my current apartment by the way," he announced cheerfully. "I'm camping at yours until we move in."

Akira faked a resigned sigh. "We'll need to move all your clothes here first."

Takumi moved closer and murmured suggestively, "ALL of my clothes? But what am I going to wear?"

Akira slid an arm around his waist and kissed his jawline. He threatened only half in jest, "Careful. You may give me ideas."

"Oh?" Takumi said demurely. "What sort of ideas?"

"Takumi..." Akira warned.

Takumi actually looked undecided whether he wanted to test Akira's control right now. Nevermind that the only options were to fuck against a wall or on the cool, polished marble floor.

He pretended to pout. "Fine. I'll be good."

Akira chuckled and kissed his forehead. Takumi giggled and gave him another quick hug.

As they left the apartment, Takumi held his arm and listed the places they could check out. They debated where to go next. Disagreed on the choice of interior design. Agreed that the first item to get right was their new bed and mattress.

They smiled. Teased. Laughed. All the while not quite believing that this was real.

Neither grew up with any hopes or dreams that their future would contain an affection and a love so genuine and precious. Yet here they were, planning a future together.

After all, love is a myriad of things. An overwhelming emotion. An illogical, incomprehensible moment. A difficult journey. A collection of memories.

A single night in a dingy student bar, where two people who could have easily lived an existence as strangers, crossed paths.

For them, love is, at last, finding a home with each other.